Justification:
Listed as Critically Endangered in view of its small Area of Occupancy of 9 km2, with its distribution being severely fragmented, and a continuing decline in the quality of its habitat and Area of Occupancy.

This species is endemic to the coast of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, ranging from Warner Beach in the south to St Lucia village in the north. It is found within 20 km of the coast up to 380 m asl. Although the Extent of Occurrence is 2,303 km2, the Area of Occupancy has been calculated to be only 9km2.

The spatial distribution of this species is considered to be severely fragmented as >50% of individuals are in small and isolated patches and >50% of subpopulations are considered non-viable. It is secretive and so is under-recorded, but appears to be a rare species.

It is a species of coastal mosaic bushland and grassland, breeding in stagnant, usually temporary to semi-permanent, water, rarely exceeding 50 cm in depth, surrounded by dense sedges. It is seldom found at the same breeding sites as the abundant Hyperolius marmoratus.

It is confined to a small area subject to urbanization, habitat fragmentation, afforestation, and drainage for agricultural and urban development. Some breeding sites are being polluted by DDT, which is used for controlling malarial mosquitoes. The spread of alien vegetation, in particular eucalyptus, is responsible for the drying out of some breeding sites.

Obtaining accurate information on threats was given the highest priority on conservation research for this species. Determining the status of all sites and estimating population size also receive high research priorities. Research is still required to determine population sizes, life history and ecology (in particular dispersal potential), followed by appropriate monitoring of both population and habitat. In addition, land owner agreements need to be drawn up for protection and management of all sites for conservation management. This species occurs in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the Umlalazi Nature Reserve, and the Twinstreams-Mtunzini Natural Heritage Site.